Renovations to update the bandshell in Bandshell Park on Main Street are expected to begin in a few months. Bids for the update will be received in February.

The bandshell, which was constructed in the 1930s, has undergone several renovations over the decades, but this will be the largest renovation project to date, said Nancy Carroll, director of parks and recreation. The last renovation took place in the late ’90s when handicapped bathrooms were installed.

“It’s old, one of the oldest in the state,” Mayor Ted Tedesco said. “It just needs to be updated.”

The renovation project, which was started by the Ames Foundation, is to repair the roof and stage, replace electrical outlets, do masonry work and waterproof along the basement perimeter, as well as several other updates. Landscaping is also in the plans.

Charlie Ricketts, president of the Ames Foundation, said that he and several other community members, including area musicians, have been collecting funds for several years to begin the renovations. Last year they made it into a foundation project by getting architects and contractors to give estimates. They presented it to the Ames City Council in December.

The estimated cost for the total process is expected to be about $280,000, with the city of Ames contributing $100,000 and the residents of Ames picking up the rest of the tab through fundraisers and private donations.

“This is a great example of how to accomplish projects through public and private funding cooperation,” Tedesco said.

The mayor said the renovations would allow better presentations, concerts and other events to take place there.

Ricketts agreed with this and said he hoped it could be used for more family events and perhaps children’s dance shows. He said that during the summer attendance can reach about 1,000 people for concerts and other shows. He said that in one case 3,000 people showed up to listen to Simon Estes, adjunct professor of music, sing opera.

Performers who play in the bandshell, however, will have to find a temporary new location until renovations are completed. Ricketts said the process is not expected to take a long time, although if extending it would minimize costs, he is willing to adapt the renovation plans.

“We’re getting a rather good reaction from the community,” Ricketts said.

He added that they will continue to raise money.

Donations ranged anywhere from $5 to $100,000, and 625 different people have made contributions.

“[The Bandshell] is one of the nicest in the country,” Carroll said.